Lifting and tilting device

ABSTRACT

A lifting and tilting device for containers or the like, is provided with a U-shaped frame supported by a base frame via two pairs of swinging arms. The swinging arms of each pair form a scissor-like arrangement where the ends of each of the arms pivotally support the U-shaped frame, and the other end of each arm is pivotally supported on the base frame. A lifting member and a tilting member, both of which are preferably hydraulic, are arranged so that the lifting member is connected at one end to the base frame and at the other end to one of the swinging arms. The tilting member has one end connected to the other of the swinging arms and another end connected to the U-shaped frame. The U-shaped frame is provided with members which support, lift, and tilt a number of different containers, skids, or the like. The arms on the U-shaped frame and on the base frame can be pivotally supported in a number of different ways.

United States Patent [191 Santic et al.

[451 Sept. 2, 1975 LIFTING AND TILTING DEVICE [75] Inventors: Blaz Santic, Burgau; Alois Mengele,

Gunzburg, both of Germany [73] Assignee: Karl Mengele & Sohne, Gunzburg,

Germany [22] Filed: Oct. 9, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 404,142

Primary ExaminerRobert J. Spar Assistant ExaminerLawrence J. Oresky Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Toren, McGeady and Stanger [5 7] ABSTRACT A lifting and tilting device for containers or the like, is provided with a U-shaped frame supported by a base frame via two pairs of swinging arms. The swinging arms of each pair form a scissor-like arrangement where the ends of each of the arms pivotally support the U-shaped frame, and the other end of each arm is pivotally supported on the base frame. A lifting member and a tilting member, both of which are preferably hydraulic, are arranged so that the lifting member is connected at one end to the base frame and at the other end to one of the swinging arms. The tilting member has one end connected to the other of the swinging arms and another end connected to the U- 21 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures PATENTEU SEP 2 I975 SHEET PATENTEB 21975 SHEET PATENTED L975 3, 992 6 16' SHEET 9 iii PATENTEU 2 I975 SHEET 1 1 1 LIFTING AND TILTING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a lifting and tilting device, in particular for the pickup of interchangeable containers or paletts and skids, cable rolls or similar devices, preferably for use with vehicles, where there is provided a substantially U-shaped carrier frame to accommodate the load and is supported in proximity of its free legs by a pair of swinging arms pivotally connected parallel to one another, the swinging arm pair resting on the other hand by joints on a frame, where these swinging arms are pivotally connected, preferably bilaterally, e.g. in proximity of the joints connecting them with the chassis, by means of hydraulic lifting devices with the chassis and, at their opposite side, e.g. in proximity of the joints connecting them with the carrier frame, by hydraulic tilting devices pivotally connecting them with the carrier frame, or else the lifting and tilting devices represent a single functional unit associated with the carrier frame.

With a known lifting and tilting device of this kind (cf. French Pat. No. 1,324,374) the pair of swinging arms is pivotally positioned on brackets set up on the front part of lateral spars of a trailer vehicle in such a way that, in its collapsed state, it is braced against the lateral spars parallel to same. Accordingly, the swinging arms have the shape of an angle lever.

The carrier frame has at its arm engaging means for the interchangeable containers equipped with frames.

Upon picking up interchangeable containers situated on the floor, the lifting and tilting linkage system designed in this manner is collapsed and placed with the carrier frame beneath the carrier means for the interchangeable container. Then, the carrier frame with the interchangeable container is lifted to be transported. On that occasion, the engaging means situated laterally and on the arm of the carrier frame are caused to be engaged.

A drawback with the known arrangement is that, in order to prevent a tilting of the picked up load, it is nec essary to use in addition to the hydraulic lifting devices also the hydraulic tilting devices for lifting the interchangeable containers from the ground. This operation presupposes an absolute synchronism of the lifting and tilting devices and therefore a particularly precise conformity of the swinging arm members, as well as correspondingly costly control devices such as, e.g., hydraulic volume distributors, and requires in addition continuous attention during operation. lt is necessary to work with particular care to prevent any unintended actuation of the tilting cycle.

The requirement for synchronism is besides in contradiction to the fact that the hydraulic tilting devices (as they have actually also been designed in the case of the device known in the art) have else be dimensioned larger than the hydraulic lifting devices. pistons If, to solve this problem, one would design the hydraulic lifting devices as large as the hydraulic lifting devices, it would hardly be possible to accommodate the required large cylinders in a vehicle, or also it would be necessary to use very heavy and costly cylinders with telescopic istons which, on the other hand, can however not readily be used synchronically. Apart from that fact, it is with the known devices not readily possible to set them at just any desired tilting elevation.

As a result of the correspondingly heavily restricted applicability, it is furthermore not readily possible to accommodate interchangeable containers, paletts, and the like at different elevations of the carrier means, while, on the other hand, a uniform distribution of the load is also absolutely essential.

Apart from that fact, vehicles of this type are not authorized on public roads because in the event of break down, for instance of the hydraulic lifting devices, e.g., as a result of loss of oil through leakage, it might happen that the interchangeable containers are unintentionally deposited while in transit.

For the purpose of retaining the otherwise very simple design it would suggest itself to render the joints stationary in order to solve this problem. This is however not possible on account of the great moments of force the joints have to absorb when. the load is lifted into the plane of travel. Moreover, as a result of the unilateral support of the carrier frame, vibration of the picked up interchangeable container are hardly avoidable during transportation, thereby strictly limiting the use of such vehicles also in that respect.

It is true that lifting and tilting devices of vehicles have already been designed to be mechanically securable in several tilting elevations (cf. German application No. 1,904,830 laid open for public inspection) by providing a lifting linkage consisting of a scissor-type lift. In that arrangement, the scissor members situated on one side of the vehicle were guided in slots of respectively one lateral support spar and one lateral frame spar and designed to be securable there at certain engagement points of this guide system. The scissor members situated on the other side of the vehicle are pivotally connected with the frame spars and the support spars.

In order to tilt the picked up interchangeable container, the frame is pivotally connected as an auxiliary frame on the chassis of the vehicle and is held on the other side to the vehicle chassis by an engagement means. v

The cost, also in operating elements and in the actual operation, is correspondingly great.

In view of the required synchronism of the scissor linkage, it is possible to provide only a few engagement means for securing purposes. A stepless adjustment of different transportation and tilting elevations of the longitudinal support spars cannot be brought about by this arrangement. With that arrangement, it is also possible that the bilateral scissor linkage is easily pressed apart and damaged by overload containers. If one would use however for instance a U-shaped support frame, distortions might occur thereby rendering the slotted thrust guides difficult to operate, which could likewise result in trouble and wear. I

Moreover, the pertinent interchangeable containers must be designed to be self-supporting so that they are heavy in relation to their payload and accordingly also costly from the economic viewpoint.

With the two devices considered above, it is furthermore not readily possible to superimpose, if desired, lifting and tilting cycles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION possible to use interchangeable containers or other devices of different sizes and types.

The object of the invention is essentially attained by a lifting and tilting device of the type described above, in which the swinging arms constitute members of a bilateral scissor-type linkage and are accordingly con nected by a joint to the other scissor members, where the upper, bilaterally free ends of the associated scissor members support the carrier frame from below by thrust bearings, for instance by rollers.

The combination in accordance with the invention incorporates the advantages of the two devices discussed above without being attended by their drawbacks and was not evident with regard to its surprising simplicity and versatility.

As a result of the division of the functions into a scissor-like lifting device and a carrier frame as a tilting device, it is possible to achieve a simple operation, for instance by two mutually independent hydraulic devices with the aid of uncomplicated control means.

Through the use of this simple control means it is now also possible to adjust pickup or tilting positions of any desired depth which, as described below in greater detail, enlarges the field of application in a hitherto inconceivable versatile manner.

A particularly advantageous feature resides also in the fact that is is possible, in accordance with the invention, to adjust while traveling a tilting position in which the charge of an interchangeable container is automatically fed along a sloped plane, for instance to a dung spreader. In accordance with the invention, it is also possible to combine in a simple manner interchangeable containers and workperforming equipment.

The chassis and the carrier frames are preferably designed in the shape of a rectangle in which longitudinal spars are connected substantially at right angles to a transverse spar.

With the object of the invention is is possible, as a result of the bilateral support, to design the carrier frame particularly sturdily thereby making it possible to have it advantageously pick up, transport, and tilt also light interchangeable or one-way containers, paletts, and the like. The interchangeable containers and other loads are however protected against torsional stresses that are otherwise inevitable with the carrier frame as well as with the scissor linkage. The carrier frame absorbs the torsional stresses without impeding the function of the scissor linkage. It is therefore now no longer necessary to provide containers in the hitherto customary manner with reinforcing carrier frames and ribbings.

On the other hand, in the case of the object of the invention it is possible to pick up in a simple manner interchangeable carrier frames, bridges, and other scissor linkages by means of the scissor linkage and without the aid of hoisting devices thereby imparting for instance vehicles with a hitherto unattained but often sought after universality.

As a further development, the carrier frame can be outfitted with quick-loading means. In accordance with the invention, a particularly sturdy support of the carrier frame is achieved in that the thrust bearings, for instance rollers, are provided at least on the outside, preferably however bilaterally, with track-holding means, for instance flanges, and embrace for instance sections of the carrier frame designed as a track. In that case, the track portion can be designed of particularly heattreated material which, in the case of the track portions of the containers (as known for instance through German application No. 1,904,830 laid open for public inspection) in inordinately expensive.

Furthermore, in the case of the lifting and tilting device in accordance with the invention, the hydraulic lifting devices can be controlled by control valves separately from the hdyraulic tilting devices. It is therefore possible to adjust in a simple manner any desired loading, transportation, and tilting elevation and to actuate the tilting cycle irrespective of the particular lifting elevation. In the case of the arrangement in accordance with the invention, the hydraulic devices require furthermore only small strokes, respectively dimensions. As a result, for equipment and control means for the hydraulic system is reduced. Accordingly, it is also possible to remote-control all cycles in a particular simple manner which is especially appropriate in the ease of vehicles.

The valves for the lifting and tilting device can, for the purpose of coordinating certain operations, naturally also be combined in a simple manner in a joint control means. It is then furthermore possible (which is not so readily possible with other devices of this kind) automatically to dump a load by the device in accordance with the invention in the course of the lifting operation. This possibility can be advantageously used for the purpose of continuously adjusting the discharge angle with respect to the discharge elevation. In this way one can achieve for instance in a simple manner a distribution of the load on the bottom or on the charging surfaces.

Unevenesses on the load-accommodating sides, as caused for instances through leak oil discharges are in the case of the object of the invention compensated in a simple manner by the carrier frame which, as a result of its two bilateral supports, can accordingly be designed particularly sturdily.

In accordance with the invention, the scissor members constituting the swinging arms are connected with the frame by means of compensating members.

A particularly appropriate design of the compensating members provides that, instead of the thrust joints known in the art, the swinging arms be designed in two parts with hinge connections so that the pivoted arm lever can serve as an extension member.

A particularly short overall length of the extension member in the longitudinal axis of the carrier frame is achieved according to the invention in that the frame joints for the two-part swinging arms are provided on brackets arranged above or beneath the plane of the frame, with the brackets accommodating the bent arm member in the collapsed position of the scissor linkage.

According to the invention, one achieves a particularly sturdy development of the invention in that the lifting linkage as well as the frame and the carrier frame exhibit slot-like clearances to accommodate the cylinders and the pistons and that, for the scissor members, with the thrust bearings there can be provided additional slot-like clearances at the swinging arms in the area of the scissor joints.

It is furthermore contemplated to provide the interchangeable devices, etc., the containers, at the front with an open fork, which grips the traverse spar connecting the two lateral spars of the carrier frame or a parallel rod, whereas, as a rear brace, there have been provided bolts arranged at the interchangeable devices cooperating with the lateral spars.

For the purpose of picking up interchangeable devices from a low level from the floor, a carrier frame according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the carrier frame traverse spar, or a parallel rod, is arranged at the brackets beneath the carrier frame plane, with the extremities of the lateral spars exhibiting behind the tilting joints a bent continuation situated substantially in the plane of the traverse spar or therebeneath and comprising locking means. By means of such a carrier frame it is for instance possible to pick up paletts of low elevation, and to stack them.

In order to utilize fully the tilting elevation with the tilting and tilting device according to the invention, it is deemed to be appropriate to design the joints provided on the carrier frame for the hydraulic tilting devices as thrust joints.

The attainable high stability of the carrier frame and the easy adjustability, according to the invention, of different pickup as well as tilting elevations makes it possible, as intended, to pick up with one carrier frame a plurality of interchangeable containers or interchangeable containers and associated equipment and to arrange them in series where, if need be, at the side facing the front retaining means for instance retainer forks, cooperating securing means, e.g., rods, have been provided for.

It is of course understood that one can provide the interchangeable containers or paletts and/or machines also with additional coupling means effective beneath or above the carrier frame plane. According to one thought underlying the invention one can in this way combine operating equipment and containers, e. g., harvest pickup and conveyer devices, manure or fertilizer Spreaders, harvesting machines, e.g., field chaff cutting machines and the like with corresponding interchangeable containers to form a working unit on the carrier frame.

At the connecting point of operating equipment to the interchangeable containers it is provided to arrange the wall situated there to be removable or else as a sliding wall.

According to the invention it is for instance provided to use interchangeable containers with spreader mechanisms for the field spreading of stable manure. In that case, the spreader mechanisms are connected to the interchangeable containers at such a slope that in the de signed tilted position of the interchangeable container, for feeding material to them, they assume a normal spreader position with respect to the ground. This is also true by analogy for other operating equipment combinations.

For the purpose of power transmission to the machines it is provided to position a drive shaft in at least one of the lateral spars of the frame, which has different auxiliary drive connections.

According to another embodiment of the invention, connections for a platform are provided on the carrier frame. Said platform can be used for the transporting of bulky materials.

According to another embodiment, at least one L- shaped container fork can be arranged at or be connectable to the transverse spar of the carrier frame.

For the purpose of picking up heavy container loads, it is possible, according to a thought underlying the invention, to provide also at the free longitudinal spar extrernities of the carrier frame L-shaped container forks arranged pivotable on a shaft. The shaft of the container forks can be actuatable by a swiveling arm, actu atable for instance via a linkage by means of a locking mechanism in such a way that, in the collapsed position of the lifting linkage, it maintains the spring of the locking mechanism pre-loaded.

It is of course also possible to arrange hydraulic actuating devices.

The rear container forks are preferably connected to the carrier frame by means of a securable telescopic or sliding place to permit adapting them to different container lengths.

A surprisingly simple embodiment of the principle underlying the invention is achieved in accordance with the invention by the fact that in the area of the thrust bearings the carrier frame is provided with forks that are open toward the interior of the scissors and which guide the thrust bearing element, for instance the rollers, up until the tilting position in such a way that it is possible automatically to perform with the tilting device arranged at the upper swinging arms and at the longitudinal spars of the carrier frame both the lifting cycle as well as, following attaining of a certain predetermined height, the tilting cycle.

By means of this arrangement there becomes possible, what has hitherto been frequently aimed at but has never been materialized, i.e. to perform all operations by means of relatively small hydraulic cylinder-piston units.

As an embodiment of the principle underlying the invention, it is conceived to arrange the forks with telescopic elements displaceable on the carrier frame and to render them stationary with the aid of locking means.

This purpose is achieved in a simple manner by a contemplated spindle drive. In order to achieve a uniform setting of the forks on either side, it is for instance possible to provide markings. It is then possible to select any desired adjustable lifting and tilting elevation.

Another embodiment, likewise obviating a lifting device, resides in the fact that the trunnions connecting the swinging arm membersare provided at a shaft and a piston of a hydraulic cylinder as a lifting device is pivotally connected thereto.

A completely new function with lifting and tilting devices of this type is achieved by the mode of realization in accordance with the invention where there are arranged parallel longitudinal spars applying onto the longitudinal spars of the frame and which are pivotable at the rear longitudinal spar end. around a shaft running crosswise to the longitudinal spar axis, the lifting devices being arranged for instance at the longitudinal spars of the frame and at the scissor arms, e.g., on the scissor side of the axis of rotation.

By means of this arrangement, it is possible to move loads picked up on the carrier frame from a horizontal to a vertical position and to deposit for instance interchangeable eontainers with their load or the load itself in a vertical tilting position on the ground.

These selected exemplified embodiments suggest the extraordinarily large versatility of the lifting and tilting device and the frame for interchangeable elements in accordance with the invention.

As illustrated, various embodiments of the principle underlying the invention can serve to improve also the mode of operation of lifting and tilting devices of a different type.

If the lifting and tilting devices in accordance with the invention are used with self-propelled vehicles, it is provided to outfit same for forward and reverse drive with adjustable or twin storing and control means, with the drivers seat being arranged to be adjustable in the appropriate driving direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention is explained and described in greatest detail in the drawing by means of different modes of realizations or embodiments In the drawings FIG. 1 is a mode of realization of the invention with a trailer vehicle shown as a perspective view;

FIG. 2 is the same vehicle as shown in FIG. 1 represented as a side view in interchangeable container pickup position;

FIG. 3 is the same vehicle as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. in lifting position;

FIG. 4 is the same vehicle as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in elevated tilting position;

FIG. 5 is a modified mode of realization in pickup position;

FIG. 6 is a modified mode of realization in elevated position;

FIG. 7 is a further modification in elevated position;

FIG. 8 is the same modification according to FIG. 7 in tilted position;

FIG. 9 is another mode of realization in pickup posi tion;

FIG. 10 is the embodiment according to FIG. 9 in elevated position;

FIG. 11 is an embodiment according to FIG. 1 with another mode of realization of an interchangeable carrier frame in accordance with the invention in a perspective view;

FIG. 12 is an embodiment in accordance with FIG. 1 with a further mode of realization of an interchangeable carrier frame in accordance with the invention in a perspective view;

FIG. 13 is a lifting and tilting device in accordance with the invention shown on a side view with a different mode of realization of the interchangeable carrier frame and an interchangeable container and machine combination;

FIG. I4 is a lifting and tilting device in accordance with the invention according to FIG. 13 with another interchangeable container and machine combination;

FIG. 15 is'a lifting and tilting device in accordance with the invention with another mode of realization of the interchangeable carrier frame in accordance with the invention for the accommodating, in accordance with the invention, of a plurality of interchangeable containers;

FIG. 16 is an invention principle in conformity with the invention with only two lifting and tilting devices;

FIG. 17 is another invention principle in conformity with the invention;

FIG. 18 is the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 16 in elevated tilting position;

FIG. 19 is a lifting and tilting device in accordance with the invention for tilting positions of approximately 90;

FIG. 20 is the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 19 in tilted position.

The lifting and tilting device in accordance with the invention is arranged on all Figures on a trailer. Therefore, the reference numbers relating to FIG. 1 apply by way of analogy for the following Figures. Modified parts are sequentially designated by the identical reference number 100, 200, etc.

The chassis of a single axle trailer essentially consists of a frame 1, an undercarriage 2, and a towbar 3. The frame is designed U-shaped; at right angles to its transverse spar 5 there are connected lateral spars 6 and 7. 10 is likewise a U-shaped carrier frame to the trans verse spar l 1 of which there are connected longitudinal spars 12 and 13. 15 and 16 are swinging arms pivotally held with their upper free end in fork-like bearing blocks 17 and 18 by securable pins 19 and 20. The two other free ends of the swinging arms 15 and 16 have forks 15a and 16a and are therefore, in accordance with the invention, pivotally mounted to swing arm levers 21 and 22 by means of pivots 23, which are mounted in turn at their upper ends at two bracket-like bearing blocks 8 and 9 by means of pivots 24, which bearing blocks are mounted on the lateral spars 6 and 7. At the pins 24 there are furthermore pivotally positioned ratchet wheels 25 and 26 which are firmly connected with the swinging arm levers 21 and 22 at whose pawls there engage pawls 29 and 30 under the load of springs (not shown) and which are pivotable around the pins 27 and 28. The reference 31 suggests a cable line for the disengaging of the pawls 29 and 30.

In accordance with the invention, scissor members 40 and 41 are associated with the swinging arms 15 and 16. Members 40 and 41 are pivotally positioned with their low ends in joints 42 and 43 and accommodate with their slot-shaped part 40a and 41a the swinging arms 15 and 16 with which they are connected like a scissor joint by the pins 44 and 45.

At their upper fork-like end 40c and 41c the scissor members 40 and 41 carry rollers provided on each side with track wheels 46 and 47. The latter grip the track sections 48 and 49 arranged at the lateral spars 12 and 13 in the sliding zone of the rollers. The scissor linkage designed in this manner with the carrier frame 10 in accordance with the invention can be actuated as follows by hydraulic lifting devices:

Beneath the longitudinal spars 6 and 7 there are provided forklike bearing blocks 6a and 7a in which there are mounted hydraulic cylinders 50 and 51 and are pivotable in slots 6b and 7b of the longitudinal spars 6 and 7.

The pertinent pistons 52 and 53 are pivotally mounted in bearing blocks 40b and 41b arranged at the scissor arms 40 and 41. In the slot-like bearing blocks 15b and 16b of the swinging arms 15 and 16 hydraulic cylinders 54 and 55 are pivotally mounted in like manner.

The pertinent pistons 56 and 57 are displaceably mounted with their supporting studs 58 and 59 in longitudinal slots 12a and 13a arranged at the longitudinal carrier spars 12 and 13. By means of this sliding guide it is possible, as can be seen from FIG. 4, to increase the tilting moment of the piston and cylinder units 54-56 and 55-57.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 to 4, the slots 12a and 13a can be provided at their upper loadaccommodating side with locking recesses 60 which can be covered in the direction of the slots by a springloaded slide (not shown). In this way, it is possible to increase the piston power moment of force.

Furthermore, in FIGS. 2 to hthere are illustrated the various settings from the picking up of an interchangeable container 61 until the tilting thereof.

In FIG. 2 there can be seen a container til standing on the ground. The carrier frame It surrounds the container fill and is engaged on the one hand by the rolls of the scissor rods d ll and it, illustratedby the track wheels in and 47, and, on the other, by the bearing blocks 17 and it of arms i5 and in.

The swinging arms 15 and to are however braced on the one hand with their bearing blocks i7 and id against the longitudinal spars e and 7 and apply on the other directly against the longitudinal spars 6: and 7. In this position, the track chassis designed in the shape of a U and outfitted with the carrier frame llil in accor dance with the invention was driven into the position shown, i.e., until the abutment of the container face abuts against the transverse spar 5 or ill. In this posi tion there are, as can be seen, the lateral carrier bolts 62 provided at the front and at the rear of the container 6i above the engagement recesses 13:1 and i3!) provided for on the longitudinal spars of the carrier arm.

Now, if the container is lifted through actuating of the cylinder-piston units 59 to 53, the described engaging means which may of course be provided with catching recesses, engage one another. Upon upward stroke, the swinging arms 15/21 and lid/22 spread out auto matically and are mechanically locked in any desired position by the pawl locking means 25/29 and 26/30. The spreading members cause in the process in accordance with the invention the compensation for the scissor-like double-action system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an upper elevation position in which the piston 52 is driven out of the cylinder 5d. In this position, the supporting stud 58 has traveled from the right hand recess 60a, as shown in FIG. 2, into the recess 60c situated on the left. The container 61 can now, as shown in FIG. be discharged by tilting with the maximum tilting moment brought about by the cylinder-piston units 54-56. In the case of the arrangement in accordance with the invention, it is, as stated above, readily possible to tilt the container 6i in any desired lifting elevation. In the case of a desired stepless discharge of simultaneous lifting and tilting motion for the purpose of distribution of the load, all hydraulic lifting devices may be under pressure. On the other hand, it is however also possible to leave the cylinder-piston units 50 to 53 unpressurized in a corresponding engagement position of the ratchet and pawl mechanism 253tl if it is for instance desired to transport material accompanied by simultaneous tilting.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a modification of the locking mechanism in which the pawls are mounted on the other side of blocks 8 and 9 from that of FIG. ll.

In FIGS. and ti, contrary to the embodiments described above, the extension member consisting of the swinging arm levers 2i and 22 is constituted by thrust joints 7g.

FIGS. 9 and lil illustrate a possible locking of such a thrust joint in reverse manner with the scissor arms MA]. Above the slot guide lltll'l'a there is provided a gear rack I25 at the lateral spars it)? of the-chassis. Cooperating with the rack there are arranged pawls 1129 pivotally mounted on the swinging arm I44), which are disengaged by the effect of a spring 1129a and can be brought into locking position through a cable line llfi'ill.

llill FIG. llTl illustrates an interchangeable carrier frame in accordance with the invention which, according to a thought underlying the: invention, can be connected in a simple manner by means of quick lock pins 2119-259 and ZMPZME. The interchangeable carrier frame Ziti is provided with a carrier spar 21 la arranged parallel to the transverse spar 2111 on brackets 211a and filllllb placed beneath the carrier frame plane, which carrier spar is engaged on the front side by forks arranged on interchangeable devices.

At their free extremities, the lateral spars 212 and 213 are provided with bent sections 2ll2a and 213a, each having an engaging recess ZlZb and 21312; By means of this interchangeable frame, it is for instance possible to pick up and to stack deep-lying paletts.

Another advantageous embodiment is offered by the interchangeable frame 210 by the fact that, as de signed, it can be introduced with the extremities 212a and 213a in the elevated tilted position into corresponding holes of a box or a wall. Following detaching of the quick-lock pins 219 and 220 as well as 258 and 259 and the lowering of the scissor arms 24d and 241, the carrier frame longitudinal spars ZIZ and 213 are maintained in the holes. It is possible to store in this way an interchangeable carrier frameserving a multiplicity of different purposes in a readily accessible as sembly position.

They can of course also be placed on elevated tracks to which they have been lifted by the lifting device, be anchored there by traversing pins and be reassembled from there.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the carrier frame 31W in accordance with the invention. In this case, 3lill designates the transverse spar at which there have been arranged two L-shaped forks 380 and 38L At the free ends of the lateral spars 312 and 313 there are mounted brackets 382; and 3&3 extending downward from the carrier frame plane which are designed to be longitudinally slidable by shoes 35% and 385 by means of bolts 386/387 and 388/389 in slots 3112a and Iiilia.

At the shoes 384i and 3%5 as well as at the brackets 382 and 383, there are pivotally arranged shafts 392 and 393 accommodated in bearings 390 and 391 as well as 38441 and 385a and having at their bottom bent forks 394 and 3595. 3% are control arms with which, following the pickup of an interchangeable container, the forks and 395' are brought into engaging position. They can also clasp interchangeable containers from the rear by acting as supporting arms. In this case, they and the forks 39 i-3i 5 will be actuated by hydraulic lifting devices and similar setting devices.

FIGS. 13 and M illustrate a modified carrier frame at the longitudinal spar of which they are mounted in the front and in the rear outwardly pointing forks 3%) and i -$9 which are open toward the top. By means of the carrier frames designed in this manner, it is possible to combine machines and interchangeable containers. In FIG. 13, l -6i represents an interchangeable container maintained by means of lateral bolts 462a in recesses 513a and 4113b on the carrier frame 4M). 4453 is a manure spreader provided at the rear of the container idlia and b which is. held by means of bolts in recesses of the carrier frame l-Ill and by means ofbolts 46212 in slots 4990 of the fork 4339.

At the lateral spar 407 there is arranged a drive shaft 16s driven by means of a universal joint shaft ldtia.

The driving power derived by the feeder shaft of a tractor (not shown) is transmitted via this drive by a chain gear 465!) to the spreader 463.

The spreader 463 is connected to the interchangeable container 461 tilted from the top in such a way that, upon placing the container into a raised tilted position on the field, it assumes a position substantially perpendicular to the ground line, thereby causing the charge to slide down by itself along the container bottom 461a constituting a sloped plane.

In accordance with the exemplified embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 a loading device 563 is arranged at the front fork 498 by the pickup device 563a of which it is possible to pick up harvest produce which is fed by rake-like chains 563b into the open front wall of an interchangeable container 561.

The tilting position is selected in such a way that the load fed by the rake-like chains 563b is fed toward the rear to the container rear wall 561b along the container bottom 561a forming a sloped plane. The rear wall can in known manner be designed to be lifted up to permit the dumping of the harvest produce for the purpose of its storage.

The interchangeable containers 561 can of course also be used including their charge for storage and can possibly also be stacked for drying, with the aid of the lifting and tilting device in accordance with the invention. In the case of drying, it is intended to provide the bottom 561a with longitudinal slots to permit passage of the air.

In FIG. 15, the carrier frame 610 is designed in the manner of a staircase with steps 613a and 613d. 661 are garbage containers which, by their lateral carrier bolts 61 3e engage the recesses 613a.

As a result of the finely regulated control of the lifting position in accordance with the object of the invention and, if indicated, also of the tilting position of the carrier frame 610, it is made possible to pick up beginning with the first container 6610 after stepwise raising of the lifting elevation all subsequent containers, 61 lbd, without having the already picked up containers touch the ground in the pickup position of the other containers.

In reverse sequence it is also possible to deposit the containers again individually, while it is of course also possible to deposit them jointly.

FIGS. 16 and 17 represent a simplified embodiment. The rollers 746 at the upper scissor arms 7401) are held from the bottom and the top by a fork 767 until attaining tilting position. This fork is for instance displaceably mounted on the longitudinal spar by a track section 710a designed as a telescopic element.

FIG. 16 represents a position shortly before the actuation of the tilting, in other words, the maximum position of the scissor linkage illustrated in the shown fork.

position. Through actuation of the bilateral leadscrews 768 it is possible to adjust the elevation of the tilting point.

The hydraulic cylinder and piston units are made unnecessary by this embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates the device in the tilting position.

FIG. 18 represents a simplified design in accordance with FIG. 1. The pivots 823 connecting the swinging arm elements 8150/8 l 6a as well as 821 and 822 are designed as pins of an interconnecting shaft 869. To the shaft 869 there is attached a piston 852 with a connect-' ing rod head 825k. By comparison with the embodiment in accordance with FIG. -1, one eliminates the use of one piston and cylinder unit.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate as a further development of the object of the invention a novel inventive principle in which the lifting and tilting device can be tilted from a horizontal into a vertical position. This object is achieved in that, at the pivot bearings 971 for the scissor arms 940 there are arranged longitudinal tilting spars situated parallel to the longitudinal chassis spars 907. These longitudinal tilting spars are, like the carrier frame 910, interconnected at their other extremities by a transverse spar (not shown). The reference 907i suggests a securable engagement device. At the longitudinal spars there are suggested telescopic supports 1000.

By means of this lifting and tilting device, it is for instance possible that the load, for example bales of hay, of an interchangeable container 961 open at the rear is placed on the ground through alternating actuation of the piston and cylinder units 954/955 and 955/957 and deposited in a vertical position.

This mode of realization can serve therefore a multiplicity of purposes.

We claim:

1. A lifting and tilting apparatus for containers comprising:

a. A substantially U-shaped frame for supporting said container having two longitudinal legs joined at one end by a transverse member,

b. pairs of mutually parallel pivotally connected rocker arms for supporting said U-shaped frame at both ends of said longitudinal legs, each said pair of rocker arms located adjacent to and extending along a different one of said longitudinal legs of said U-shaped frame;

c. a base frame for supporting said pairs of rocker arms for pivotal movement, each of said pairs of rocker arms comprising a first swinging arm having a first end pivotally connected to one end of said base frame and a second end in detachable sliding contact with said U-shaped frame at one end of said longitudinal legs;

. and a second swinging arm having a first end pivotally connected to said U-shaped frame at the other end of said longitudinal legs and a second end connected to the other end of said base for at least pivotal movement relative to said base, said first swinging arm pivotally connected to said second swinging arm at the midpoint of said second arm and between the ends said first arm so as to form a scissors-like linkage;

e. lifting means for lifting said U-shaped frame bodily vertically having a first end pivotally connected to said base fram and a second end pivotally connected to said first swinging arm; and

f. tilting means for tilting said U-shaped frame having one end pivotally connected to said second swinging arm and its other end pivotally and slidably connected to said U-shaped frame, whereby said container can be tilted to empty said container at any desired elevation of said U-shaped frame, said desired elevation being determined by selective actuation of said lifting means.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each said first swinging arm comprises a roller at said second end for slidably supporting said U-shaped frame, said roller being freely rotatable in said arm for movement along said U-shaped frame as said frame is lifted and tilted.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said base frame comprises coupling means for pivotally connecting said second swinging arm to said base frame.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said coupling means comprises an upstanding bearing block, a connecting arm having a first end connected to said second end of said swinging arm, a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted in said bearing block and connected to said connecting arm at its second end, and a pawl for locking said ratchet wheel and said pairs of rocker arms.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein said coupling means comprises a pair of slots formed in said base frame, and a connecting pin mounted in said second end of said second swinging arms for sliding, pivoting movement therein.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein said cou pling means comprises a connecting arm for each said second swinging arm and a shaft interconnecting each of said connecting arms and said second swinging arms, and said lifting means having a second end pivotally connected to said shaft at the midpoint thereof.

7. The drive according to claim 1, wherein said U- shaped frame comprises slot means for pivotally mounting said tilting means whereby said tilting means is slidable therein.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said U- shaped frame comprises an L-shaped container fork arrangement thereon, whereby containers of specific shape may be lifted and tilted.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said U- shaped frame comprises a bracket mounted transversely at the end of each longitudinal leg spaced from said transverse member, a shaft mounted in each said bracket for rotation therein, and a L-shaped container fork arrangement pivotally mounted about said shaft for supporting a container or the like.

10. The device according to claim 9, further comprising a pivoting arm for rotating said fork arrangement, and a locking mechanism connected to said pivoting arm and said shaft whereby in the collapsed position of the scissor-like arrangement said locking mechanism is in positive connection with said pivoting arm.

11. The device according to claim 10, further comprising slide means slidable along said longitudinal legs, said slide means mounting said bracket for movement therewith so that the fork arrangement may be adjusted along the U-shaped frame to a desired position.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said lifting means and tilting means is a hydraulic cylinderpiston arrangement.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein said base frame comprises a first pair of parallel longitudinal spars, and a second pair of longitudinal spars pivotally mounted on one end of said first longitudinal spars, and a shaft pivotally mounting said second spars and said first swinging arms.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein said base frame comprises a transverse spar, and said second pair of longitudinal spars connected to said transverse spar forming a U-shaped frame.

15. The device according to claim 13, further comprising linkage means for locking said first pair of longitudinal spars to said base frame at one end.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein said longitudinally said U-shaped frame have stepwise parts and engaging means for receiving a plurality of garbage containers, or the like.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein said U- shaped frame comprises notches for receiving a pin attached to a container for support thereof.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein said U- shaped frame and base frame are each in the form of a rectangle, and said base frame comprises a pair of longitudinal spars and a transverse spar connected to said longitudinal spars at right angles thereto.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second swinging arm comprises a first slot for mounting said means for tilting, and said first swinging arm comprises a second slot midway between its ends for allowing said second swinging arm to pass therethrough to form said scissors-like arrangement.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein said base frame comprises a slot located in each of said longitudinal spars for mounting said lifting means for pivotal movement therein.

21. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said longitudinal legs of said U-shaped frame comprises a bent end portion extending outwardly from the end of said legs spaced from said transverse member, and engaging means formed in said bent end portions for supporting a container or the like. 

1. A lifting and tilting apparatus for containers comprising: a. A substantially U-shaped frame for supporting said container having two longitudinal legs joined at one end by a transverse member, b. pairs of mutually parallel pivotally connected rocker arms for supporting said U-shaped frame at both ends of said longitudinal legs, each said pair of rocker arms located adjacent to and extending along a different one of said longitudinal legs of said U-shaped frame; c. a base frame for supporting said pairs of rocker arms for pivotal movement, each of said pairs of rocker arms comprising a first swinging arm having a first end pivotally connected to one end of said base frame and a second end in detachable sliding contact with said U-shaped frame at one end of said longitudinal legs; d. and a second swinging arm having a first end pivotally connected to said U-shaped frame at the other end of said longitudinal legs and a second end connected to the other end of said base for at least pivotal movement relative to said base, said first swinging arm pivotally connected to said second swinging arm at the midpoint of said second arm and between the ends said first arm so as to form a scissors-like linkage; e. lifting means for lifting said U-shaped frame bodily vertically having a first end pivotally connected to said base fram and a second end pivotally connected to said first swinging arm; and f. tilting means for tilting said U-shaped frame having one end pivotally connected to said second swinging arm and its other end pivotally and slidably connected to said U-shaped frame, whereby said container can be tilted to empty said container at any desired elevation of said U-shaped frame, said desired elevation being determined by selective actuation of said lifting means.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each said first swinging arm comprises a roller at said second end for slidably supporting said U-shaped frame, said roller being freely rotatable in said arm for movement along said U-shaped frame as said frame is lifted and tilted.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said base frame comprises coupling means for pivotally connecting said second swinging arm to said base frame.
 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said coupling means comprises an upstanding bearing block, a connecting arm having a first end connected to said second end of said swinging arm, a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted in said bearing block and connected to said connecting arm at its second end, and a pawl for locking said ratchet wheel and said pairs of rocker arms.
 5. The device according to claim 2, wherein said coupling means comprises a pair of slots formed in said base frame, and a connecting pin mounted in said second end of said second swinging arms for sliding, pivoting movement therein.
 6. The device according to claim 3, wherein said coupling means comprises a connecting arm for each said second swinging arm and a shaft interconnecting each of said connecting arms and said second swinging arms, and said lifting means having a second end pivotally connected to said shaft at the midpoint thereof.
 7. The drive according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped frame comprises slot means for pivotally mounting said tilting means whereby said tilting means is slidable therein.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped frame comprises an L-shaped container fork arrangement thereon, whereby containers of specific shape may be lifted and tilted.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped frame comprises a bracket mounted transversely at the end of each longitudinal leg spaced from said transverse member, a shaft mounted in each saId bracket for rotation therein, and a L-shaped container fork arrangement pivotally mounted about said shaft for supporting a container or the like.
 10. The device according to claim 9, further comprising a pivoting arm for rotating said fork arrangement, and a locking mechanism connected to said pivoting arm and said shaft whereby in the collapsed position of the scissor-like arrangement said locking mechanism is in positive connection with said pivoting arm.
 11. The device according to claim 10, further comprising slide means slidable along said longitudinal legs, said slide means mounting said bracket for movement therewith so that the fork arrangement may be adjusted along the U-shaped frame to a desired position.
 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said lifting means and tilting means is a hydraulic cylinderpiston arrangement.
 13. The device according to claim 1, wherein said base frame comprises a first pair of parallel longitudinal spars, and a second pair of longitudinal spars pivotally mounted on one end of said first longitudinal spars, and a shaft pivotally mounting said second spars and said first swinging arms.
 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein said base frame comprises a transverse spar, and said second pair of longitudinal spars connected to said transverse spar forming a U-shaped frame.
 15. The device according to claim 13, further comprising linkage means for locking said first pair of longitudinal spars to said base frame at one end.
 16. The device according to claim 1, wherein said longitudinally said U-shaped frame have stepwise parts and engaging means for receiving a plurality of garbage containers, or the like.
 17. The device according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped frame comprises notches for receiving a pin attached to a container for support thereof.
 18. The device according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped frame and base frame are each in the form of a rectangle, and said base frame comprises a pair of longitudinal spars and a transverse spar connected to said longitudinal spars at right angles thereto.
 19. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second swinging arm comprises a first slot for mounting said means for tilting, and said first swinging arm comprises a second slot midway between its ends for allowing said second swinging arm to pass therethrough to form said scissors-like arrangement.
 20. The device according to claim 1, wherein said base frame comprises a slot located in each of said longitudinal spars for mounting said lifting means for pivotal movement therein.
 21. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said longitudinal legs of said U-shaped frame comprises a bent end portion extending outwardly from the end of said legs spaced from said transverse member, and engaging means formed in said bent end portions for supporting a container or the like. 